Real Madrid vs Almeria preview - Ronaldo targets record haul

All eyes will again be on Cristiano Ronaldo this weekend as he attempts to break the Primera Division single-season scoring record at the Bernabeu against relegated Almeria.

The Portugal forward has struck nine times in the last three games to take his league tally for the season to 38 and equal the all-time record jointly held by Real Madrid's Hugo Sanchez, from the 1989/90 season, and the legendary Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zarra, who achieved the feat during the 1959/60 campaign.

In a remarkable season, both Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi have already broken the previous record of 47 for the number of goals in a season with a Spanish club. A record previously held by Ferenc Puskas in 1959/60, the Brazilian striker Ronaldo in 1996/97 and Messi himself last season.

Ronaldo's two goals against Villarreal last weekend moved his tally in all competitions to 51, just two behind the Argentinian. However, with the former Manchester United man having scored seven more goals in the league he has already wrapped up the Golden Shoe award for Europe's leading marksman.

The 3-1 victory over Villarreal also saw Real leapfrog Barca as the league's top scorers, a feat that assistant coach Aitor Karanka said after the match can provide motivation to the side after the disappointment of missing out on the league title and the Champions League final.

"There were three points at stake for us that weren't really going to affect the standings, but there were other motivational factors for us in the game, such as Cristiano Ronaldo's chance to equal an historic record," he said.

"The three goals we scored tonight make us the top scoring side in the championship. Small motivations allow the team to end the season in top form."

A 1-1 draw with Almeria in January was one of a number of dropped points against teams in the lower half of the league that have ultimately cost Madrid.

In a bid to avoid a repeat of that slip up Jose Mourinho is expected to name a strong side with Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain, two players who have had their opportunities limited by injury this season, expected to start. Sami Khedira and Lassana Diarra will again miss out.

A season of disappointment in Madrid has been replicated in Almeria who will return to the Segunda Divisisn after a four-year stint in the Spanish top-flight.

The Andalucians did salvage some pride with a 3-1 win over Mallorca last weekend - their first victory in 10 games - however, they suffered another setback yesterday with the news that goalkeeper Diego Alves has agreed to join Valencia in the summer.

Interim manager Roberto Alabe will be able to recall Hernan Bernardello from suspension but Michel, who injured knee ligaments in the clash against Mallorca, and Modeste M'bami are unavailable through injury.